441: Bridget Eldridge – The honest reality of a day in the life photographer

Premium Members, click here to access this interview in the premium area.

Bridget Eldridge of www.bridgeteldridgephotography.com didn't jump at the idea of being interviewed. Her reasons had me even more enthusiastic about having her on the podcast when I was looking to hear about the honest reality of a day in the life photographer.

When I landed on her website, following a recommendation from a listener, I knew I wanted to interview her.

The photos you'll see on Bridget's site represent real family photos except… it's like someone in the family is a professional photographer to capture the madness, love, messiness, fun, humour and even tears.

No colour coordinated outfits or posed and awkward moments. This is all actual “Day In The Life” photography.

I emailed Bridget an interview request, and she replied with…

I'd be happy to speak with you. I am curious why you're interested in interviewing me. I am not sure if I am what you are looking for in a guest. With coronavirus and having a second baby, I've decided to take a pause in my business for a year until my oldest goes to Kindergarten.

I'm spending nap time focused on photography projects I've been working on for years. (I used to spend nap time working on my business.)

I've tried many different things business-wise and finally realised that I have to stay true to myself in how I run my business when I return. Everything from what I'm willing to shoot to how I will define success for myself. I'm happy, to be honest about that.

I've also learned how important it is to work on my art for myself.

I don't think everyone who loves photography should run a business.

I believe that running a photography business is about running a business, not about pursuing art.

I might not be the most “Rah! Rah! You can start your own photography business” guest, but I am happy, to be honest, and tell you what I love, hate, and how important I think personal projects are so you don't get burned out.

In this interview, you'll hear the honest reality of what it's like to run a day in the life family portrait photography business. 

Here's some more of what we cover in the interview:

• The challenges of life and work balance during the pandemic
• Defining success as a photographer and artist
• Why Bridget prefers the documentary style of photography
• How to set your pricing for day in the life photography
• How Bridget creates her art through photography
• Personal projects and what they're about
• Why Bridget has fears sharing her personal projects
• The difference between shooting for clients or for yourself
• The difference between paying clients and shooting for free
• How does the perfect photography business look
• Stay-at-home moms are great clients
• How Bridget finds her day in the life clients
• Which parts of the photography business Bridget likes and dislikes
• Knowing how much you're worth
• Why you must hire a photographer you admire and experience being a client
• How will Bridget measure success in the future

What’s on Offer for Premium Members

If you’re a premium member, you should have received an email with links to your version of this interview – the full length and more revealing version where you hear the absolute best tips and advice from every guest.

If you’re on the fence about becoming a premium member, join with the $1 trial today and get access to the FULL interviews each week, get access to an amazing back catalogue of interviews and ALL future interviews delivered automatically to your phone or tablet.

Plus special member-only interviews.

The more I know a family, the more I feel love for them and feel part of their family. The more I care about them, the more I can get to a deeper place in myself. — Bridget Eldridge

You'll also receive access to the members-only Secret Facebook Group where you can connect with other Premium Members and interview guests to help, support and motivate you to take ideas you hear in each episode and put them into action. There are also FB live video tutorials, role-play interviews and special live interviews happening in the group. You will not find more friendly, more motivated, caring and sharing photographers online.

Seriously, that's not all.

In addition to everything above, you'll get access and instructions on forming or joining a MasterMind Group with other premium members. These groups are super motivating, make you accountable and build friendships with other pro photographers with similar motives to you – to build a more successful photography business.

What is your big takeaway?

Following this interview, I’d love to know if you're taking anything away from what Bridget shared. Is there something you heard that excited or motivated you to the point where you thought, yeah, I'm going to do that! If so, let me know by leaving your thoughts in the comments below, let me know what your takeaways were, what you plan to implement in your business as a result of what you heard in today's episode.

I like documentary photography. It frees me of my perfectionism and lets me embrace some non-perfection and chaos. — Bridget Eldridge

If you have any questions that I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask Bridget or if you just want to say thanks for coming on the show, feel free to add them in the comments area below.

iTunes Reviews and Shout-outs

Each week I check for any new iTunes reviews and it's always a buzz to receive these… for a couple of reasons.

Firstly, it's confirmation that I'm on the right track with the interviews and that they really are helping you improve your photography business. That's awesome!

Secondly, iTunes is the biggest search engine when it comes to podcasts and it's your reviews and ratings that help other photographers find PhotoBizX. More listeners mean more interviews and ultimately a better show.

If you have left a review in the past, thank you! If you haven't and you'd like to, head to https://photobizx.com/itunes and you can leave some honest feedback and a rating which will help both me and the show and I'll be sure to thank you on the show and add a link to your website or blog if you let me know the URL of your website and your name.

When I do something for free the people I photograph have no expectations. I feel like they are more open and honest.— Bridget Eldridge

Alternatively, if you've left a review for PhotoBizX and are looking for more backlinks to help your SEO, leave a review for the new Photography Xperiment Podcast and email me your keywords or keyword phrase and where you'd like me to link to.

Another great way to get a backlink to your site is to send a video testimonial. It doesn't need to be fancy and your phone will be perfect. Click record and tell me how PhotoBizX has made a difference to you and your photography business.​

Here are the latest reviews…

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  PhotoBizX – By Far My Favourite!

A Google review by woking photographer, Jo Temple in the UK on November 28th 2021

Just wanted to say Andrew, I listen to A-LOT of podcasts whilst editing and yours is by far my favourite!

Why? Because I’ll be listening to an episode and a question will pop into my head relating to what your guest is talking about and sure enough, seconds later you’ll ask the very question I want to be answered!

You are an amazing interviewer and you don’t hold back with asking questions that avoids the fluff and gets down to the nitty-gritty!

Thank you for making my editing time so enjoyable 🙂

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value.

A Google review by  San Antonio family photographer, Jenn Lindberg from the USA on November 29th 2021

I really wanted to send you my heartfelt thanks for your podcast. I can't remember who it was but a fellow photographer told me that listening to your podcasts would be the equivalent of getting an MBA in the photography business! They were so right!

When I began really listening to your podcast, our dream was to book 8 sessions a month with clients who loved our work and approach. This December we currently have over 70 sessions booked!

As you can guess, our lives have been radically transformed in every aspect: financial, creative, emotional–all of it.

Listening to several of your podcasts literally changed our lives far beyond the better. It still honestly feels unreal at times!

So please know what you are doing is bringing so much value to people's lives every day, even the quiet ones who don't often say much.

LAST CHANCE TODAY – BLACK FRIDAY SALE

In case you missed the email I sent last week, there's a big sale on everything PhotoBizX this weekend!

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Note: let me know if you've paid your monthly membership in the last two weeks, and I'll get that refunded for you too.

Specials are available from now until Monday 22nd​ November.

IMPORTANT: No matter what you purchase, if you feel something isn't a good fit, you let me know, and I'll happily refund you. Or feel free to ask if you're unsure about something.